How much should signing Shane Lechler cost the Texans?

How much should signing Shane Lechler cost the Texans?

It’s hard to imagine Shane Lechler leaving the Houston Texans in free agency, but the veteran punter is indeed going to hit the open market. A Texas A&M grad and area native, Lechler has spent the last five years as one of the top punters in the league for the Texans after a decorated tenure with the Oakland Raiders.

Lechler has given zero indications he’s interested in going elsewhere, but if the Texans wish to ensure the should-be Hall-of-Famer ends his career in Houston, they will need to show him some money.

What kind of money?

Estimating Lechler’s value against other top punters is tricky. He’s 41 and has already earned more money ($34.2 million) than any punter in NFL history. While he remains very good, he has fallen off just a bit from his days as a perennial top-3 at his position.

Last year Lechler played on a one-year, $2 million deal which includes a $500,000 bonus. That is below market value for top punters.

Most of the top punters earn in excess of $3 million per year, according to details on Spotrac. Lechler’s figure ranked just 15th last year. The franchise tag value for specialists — punters and kickers get lumped together — is over $4.5 million.

More Shane Lechler!

Given those parameters, Lechler should earn $3 million or perhaps a little more. But his career earnings, his comfort in Houston and the chance to win big as he winds down his career also weigh in here.

A one-year, $2.25 million deal should be enough to keep Lechler in Houston. He’s still worth every penny.

Email

Like this article?

Sign up for the Texans Wire email newsletter to get our top stories in your inbox every morning

An error has occured

Please re-enter your email address.

Thanks for signing up!

You'll now receive the top Texans Wire stories each day directly in your inbox.